Documents shed light on GOP redistricting efforts

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Newly released documents show Republican legislative leaders were looking at ways to increase the number of safe GOP districts and to protect conservative incumbents while redrawing political boundaries.

The Wisconsin State Journal reports Wednesday that emails and other documents in the legal file turned over to Democratic Senate Majority Leader Mark Miller shows Republicans were concerned about the political makeup of new districts when drawing them last year.

In one email, Republican state Sen. Leah Vukmir of Wauwatosa suggests keeping parts of her district that are Republican and jettisoning those that are more Democratic.

Republican Sen. Scott Fitzgerald who was in charge during the redistrict process says political advantage was not the goal, but he never said consideration wasn't given to incumbents.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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